WO2009018574A2 - Dispositif de chaussure multi-utilisation - Google Patents

Dispositif de chaussure multi-utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009018574A2
WO2009018574A2 PCT/US2008/072105 US2008072105W WO2009018574A2 WO 2009018574 A2 WO2009018574 A2 WO 2009018574A2 US 2008072105 W US2008072105 W US 2008072105W WO 2009018574 A2 WO2009018574 A2 WO 2009018574A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layer
foot
sole
footwear
footwear device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
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PCT/US2008/072105
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English (en)
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WO2009018574A3 (fr
Inventor
Brant Buchanan
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US12/671,761 priority Critical patent/US20110225847A1/en
Publication of WO2009018574A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009018574A2/fr
Publication of WO2009018574A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009018574A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
    • A43B13/026—Composites, e.g. carbon fibre or aramid fibre; the sole, one or more sole layers or sole part being made of a composite
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
    • A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
    • A43B5/08—Bathing shoes ; Aquatic sports shoes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C15/00—Non-skid devices or attachments

Definitions

  • the invention relates to footwear.
  • the invention concerns footwear that is attachable to and detachable from the bottoms, e.g., the soles of feet.
  • One type of such disposable footwear comprises a layer, such as a foam rubber, having placed over an upper surface an adhesive for attaching the layer to the bottom of a foot, and sized proportionately so that the entire foot of the user, including the toes, can extend over the foam rubber layer.
  • a layer such as a foam rubber
  • footwear i.e., apparel that is to be used for relatively brief periods of time or on isolated occasions.
  • Such footwear may be used in wet or dry environments including households, hospitals and other institutions, e.g., in bathrooms and showers, security checkpoints and clean rooms.
  • footwear should be designed for ease of removal and disposal.
  • the design should also be adaptable for use in a wide range of beach and marine activities, as well as institutional and household uses.
  • a footwear device which is suitable for covering the sole of a foot.
  • the device includes a first layer having a shape of the sole of a foot and sized to fit along the sole without extending to cover adjoining toes of the foot.
  • a bonding material along a surface of the first layer is suitable for attaching the first layer directly to skin on the sole of the foot or to an article of clothing covering the sole of the foot.
  • the bonding material is water resistant and suited to effect reversible attachment of the first layer to the skin of the sole. By reversible attachment it is meant that the layer can be both applied to and removed from the sole of the foot.
  • the same device may be repeatedly applied to and removed from the sole. Further, a person may attach the first layer to the sole of the foot for immediate use, e.g., without requiring any curing of the bonding material, and on demand may immediately remove the first layer from the sole of the foot.
  • a first layer which has a shape of the sole of a foot and is sized to fit along the sole of the foot so that, when applied to the sole, the shape and size are configured to not extend along toes of the foot.
  • a bonding material is provided along a surface of the first layer. The bonding material is suitable for attaching the first layer directly to skin on the sole of the foot or to an article of clothing covering the sole of the foot.
  • the bonding material may be an adhesive.
  • the first layer may be a thermoplastic rubber layer.
  • Formation of the device may begin with providing a roll of the rubber layer and a roll of two-sided hypoallergenic pressure sensitive adhesive layer, e.g., about 3 mils or 0.8 mm in thickness. Commonly the two opposing sides of two- sided adhesive layers are covered with a smooth bleached paper that is coated with a silicone release. One of the two adhesive sides of the adhesive layer is affixed to the rubber layer with pressure. The resulting laminate structure may then be processed with a press to create perforations which extend partly or entirely through the rubber layer. Following this step a tool is applied to cut the footwear device in an appropriate shape and size to fit a foot of desired size.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view along an upper surface of a device according to of an embodiment of the invention when placed against a foot;
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1 when attached to the sole of a foot;
  • FIG. 3A is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1 prior to placement against the sole of a foot;
  • FIG. 3B depicts designs of lower surfaces of devices according to alternate embodiments
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a kit comprising a pair of devices according to the invention
  • FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a device according to the invention
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of still another embodiment of a device according to the invention showing the device attached to a foot;
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a device according to the invention showing the device attached to a foot;
  • FIG. 8A is a view along an upper surface of a device according to still another embodiment of the invention illustrating holes or perforations which may extend through the device;
  • FIG. 8B is a partial side view, taken along line B-B of FIG. 8A, illustrating one design for the holes or perforations shown in FIG. 8A; and [0019] FIG. 8C is a partial side view, taken along line C-C of FIG. 8A, illustrating another design for the holes or perforations shown in FIG. 8A.
  • disposable footwear has accommodated a limited number of functional requirements and these designs have been satisfactory for a limited number of uses.
  • the layer has been patterned to extend from behind the heel through the length of the toes to provide an "entire foot covered" approach.
  • the exposed adhesive may be between or about the toes or may be in gaps which exist between the sole of the foot and the adjoining surface of the footwear. This can lead to discomfort while wearing such footwear. Further, even after removal of the footwear, residual adhesive on the foot and toes can cause sand or other debris to stick to the skin.
  • a footwear device remains in secure or conformal contact with the sole of the foot while not extending from the sole to the toes. Rather, devices according to the invention may adhere to the bottom of the foot more like a continuous layer of skin along the sole of the foot. By not extending along the toes, there are relatively few or no gaps along the interface between the device and the skin into which sand may seep and interfere with a person's comfort.
  • the bond between the sole and the footwear device has greater immunity to factors which, in the past, have more readily caused separation of a layer or sheet of foam material from the skin of a user.
  • both the layer and adhesive have extended to bond with skin of the toes. It is now recognized that such a design is not necessary.
  • greater freedom is allowed in order to manipulate the toes and use the toes to test ambient conditions. This improved utilization of the toes while wearing devices according to the invention is a useful addition in a number of applications including beach and aquatic situations.
  • Embodiments according to the invention are footwear devices formed with relatively thin, skin-like layers sized to cover and bond to the soles of feet while excluding contact with the toes. This leaves the toes available to test ambient conditions as desired, such as the temperature of beach sand or a walking surface.
  • the wearer may walk further with the toes extended upward from the ground surface to minimize thermal contact. Such upward positioning can also provide a healthful stretching of foot muscles, providing an additional benefit).
  • This "free-toes" footwear device also allows for sensitive balancing as well as free and independent movement of the toes while wearing the footwear device. Such functionality is, for example, desirable when standing over water on a surfboard.
  • the present invention provide substantial protection for a most vulnerable part of the foot, i.e., the sole, while not constraining mobility of the toes, e.g., in a variety of aquatic activities when the foot may be submerged.
  • devices according to the invention provide improved balance in ordinary terrestrial walking activities.
  • Embodiments according to the invention provide other advantages, relative to aforedescribed prior designs, as well as certain sandals and "flip-flop" type footwear.
  • some prior footwear designs have exposed heel sections which, while walking over loose sand, cause catching and vaulting of a portion of the sand upward. It has been found that when an adhesive layer is used to bond the footwear to the skin, the sand granules will disturb the bonding interface and deteriorate the integrity of the bond. Embodiments according to the invention do not cause such a collection or throwing up of sand, grit or other debris.
  • FIG. 1 provides a top view of a footwear device 100 according to the invention, relative to a shape exemplary of the bottom surface of a right human foot 130.
  • the following description is provided with reference to the foot 130 to facilitate understanding of orientations of the device as it may be applied.
  • embodiments of devices 100 may be made for both left and right feet, each being a mirror image of the other. Such devices may be sold in pairs of matched sizes for selection by consumers. Because of the similarity between devices suitable for the left and right feet, details of a device suitable for the right foot are illustrated such that the reader may extend these teachings to devices best suited for left feet.
  • the shape of the right foot 130 coincides in part with the shape and outline of the device 100, and otherwise is indicated by dashed lines.
  • the footwear device 100 is sized and shaped to be substantially anatomically correct for the sole portion of the foot 130 (excluding the toes), comprising a sole contact region 102 which includes an arch contact region 104 disposed along an inner edge 105, i.e., along the left side of the foot 130.
  • a front-most edge 106 i.e., nearest the toes 132 of the foot 130, is shown positioned behind the toes 132.
  • FIG. 2 provides a view of the teft side of the device 100 when the device 100 is affixed to t a foot 220.
  • the foot 220 shown in a left side view, corresponds to the right foot 130 that is shown schematically in FIG. 1 and like reference numbers denote like components.
  • the device 100 Prior to use the device 100, while flexible in shape, may lay in a relatively flat position or may for example be rolled in a compact coil-like configuration. The device configuration during use is described with reference to a plane 155 underlying the sole of the foot 220.
  • the arch contact region 104 upon placing the footwear device 100 onto a foot in need of protection, flexes from the plane 155.
  • the plane 155 defines most of a bottom contact region 102 of the foot 220 but with flexing of the device 100 contact is made with skin of the arch 222 of the foot 220.
  • the arch such as arch 222, is exposed to heat, debris and other environmental conditions that call for its protection.
  • the arch contact region 104 of the device 100 serves to protect the arch 222.
  • FIG. 2 also shows the footwear device 100 as having two layers, i.e., comprising a lower-most protective cushion layer 110 which comes into contact with a ground surface when walking, and an adhesive layer 112 which contacts the sole of the foot 220.
  • the adhesive layer 112 reversibly adheres to the foot 220 during the period of use. That is, the layer effects a bond between the layer 112 and the skin of the foot 220 but the layer 112 may be pulled away from the foot to remove the device.
  • embodiments of the invention advance the art by providing an anatomically appropriate footwear device that protects the foot's sole, including the region along the arch, while leaving the toes unconstrained so that the toes are free for desired activities and/or functions.
  • the toes are best not covered for various uses.
  • the heel end 108 of the footwear device 100 may not extend to a most rearward portion 224 of the heel of the foot 220.
  • FIG. 3A depicts a side view of the footwear device 100 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, in a relatively flat orientation prior to application on a foot.
  • the illustrated embodiment includes a protective peelable layer 114 disposed over the adhesive layer 112.
  • the protective peelable layer 114 may be a thin, pliable paper, plastic, composite or other material, and may have a surface coating on the side contacting adhesive layer 112 so as to facilitate easy removal from the adhesive layer 112 prior to application to the foot.
  • An exemplary protective peelable layer may comprise silicone coated paper.
  • a bottom surface 116 of the device 100 may be configured to provide a grip function to the surface being walked upon.
  • a gripping surface 116 may be integrally formed along the cushion layer 110, or may be provided as an additional optional layer 111.
  • the layer 111 is shown in FIG. 3A with dashed lines to indicate it is optionally formed as a separate layer, which when present provides a bottom surface 116' for contact with an underlying walking surface.
  • a gripping bottom surface, such as on surface 116 or surface 116' of FIG. 3A, may include surface contours of a non-skid type that provide a grip-like feel when walking on a solid surface such as a boat deck..
  • a first footwear device 300 comprises a gripping bottom surface 316 shown in the enlargement 320 as a raised squared-rib pattern 322.
  • a second footwear device 302 includes a gripping bottom surface 318 shown in the enlargement 322 as comprising raised circular nubs or cups 324. As discussed elsewhere, these square ribbed patterns, nubs or cups may be embossed on the cushion layer or provided on an additional layer formed on the bottom of the cushion layer.
  • An example of a cushion layer suitable for incorporation in the invention, comprising an embossed-on grip surface, is "4EO VOLARA ® thermoplastic rubber with burlap embossed.” This is manufactured by Sekisui Voltek LLC Corporation, 100 Shepard Street, Lawrence, Massachusetts 01843.
  • adhesives suitable for use in embodiments of the invention are transfer type adhesives, and, more particularly, acrylate-based transfer type adhesives. In various embodiments these adhesives are hypoallergenic.
  • FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary package 400 holding inside a pair of footwear devices 100L and 100R for the left and right foot, respectively.
  • Each device 100L and 100R includes an optional tab extension 115 of the protective peelable layer 114 provided in some embodiments to facilitate gradual removal of the protective peelable layer 114 while placing each of the devices 100L and 100R on the bottom of a foot. This encourages proper placement, i.e., alignment, of each device with respect to the sole of the foot.
  • the positioning of the optional tab extensions 115 in the locations shown in the figure is exemplary and not meant to be limiting.
  • Footwear devices according to embodiments of the invention are sufficiently flexible and malleable so as to provide a continuous surface for attachment to the foot, including along the arch.
  • the device 100 is also is stretchable along a major plane of the layers 112 or 116, e.g., including directions along the plane 155 shown in FIG. 2.
  • attachment may easily proceed so that there is full contact between skin along the sole (including the arch, when an arch section is provided) and the adhesive layer.
  • This improved attachment due to flexibility (and optionally also stretchability) can be effected with both relatively thin and thicker embodiments of the footwear device 100.
  • a relatively thin device 100 may be about 0.040 inches (1 millimeter (“mm") thick, while a thicker embodiment may be about 0.080 inches thick (2 mm), and an even thicker embodiment may be about 0.125 inches (3.175 mm) thick.
  • Still thicker embodiments may be about 0.188 inches (4.75 mm) thick. Embodiments with these thicknesses may include the removable peelable layer 114 positioned over the adhesive layer. It is noted that embodiments may be provided in any range, or sub-range, of thicknesses from the thinnest to the thickest value provided in this paragraph. As further described herein, still thinner layers, less than 1 mm thick, are suitable according to other embodiments of the invention. [0034] The relatively thin embodiments of the device 100 may be worn within sandals, flip-flops, shoes, etc., and even over socks, so as to be pre-positioned to provide protection when needed, e.g. such as at airport and other security checkpoints.
  • footwear devices can also be supplied from dispensers that are situated before security checkpoints, so as to accelerate the inspection process while affording fast and inexpensive protection to the feet to those passing through the security checkpoints.
  • the devices 100 may be affixed to socks.
  • the footwear device is sized so as to only contact and adhere to the sole and arch that are most exposed when walking, and to not cover the sides of the foot not in contact with a surface while walking, and to not cover the toes, as discussed above.
  • the footwear devices 100 may be worn on the feet for multiple hours at a time while at the beach or engaged in an aquatic activity, so as to provide temporary relief from exposure to hot surfaces, and to provide protection from abrasive material and various objects, such as certain sharp objects on a beach or boat.
  • embodiments may be used in households for various purposes, and also to keep feet clean in parks, lawns and at outdoor concerts.
  • Embodiments of the invention are suitable for household use during a variety of activities including wet activities and environments or situations in which it is less desirable to wear shoes or sandals but necessary to provide cover or a gripping surface to the bottom of the feet.
  • the devices are advantageous in hospitals and other institutions and other facilities including gymnasiums and locker rooms.
  • the devices 100 find application in bathrooms, showers and generally in situations when short-term foot protection or skid protection is desired.
  • Embodiments of the invention can be worn at security checkpoints, such as in airports, when shoes must be removed.
  • One application of the invention provides a new solution to a need which exists in use of a surfboard. There are often difficulties in walking along the surface of a surfboard when on the water without slipping off the board due to presence of water on the surface.
  • Embodiments of the footwear device of the present invention are advantageous relative to prior solutions and may also be used in conjunction with conventional techniques such as application of wax.
  • the devices 100 may be used on unwaxed surfaces of a surfboard when the devices 100 include grip surfaces such as described with reference to FIG. 3B.
  • Such embodiments may include a relatively strong adhesive, especially resilient to saltwater, placed along the bottom surface of the device 100 for resistive contact with the surface of the surfboard .
  • a transfer adhesive sold as catalog or serial number 1524 by 3M Corporation (Maplewood, MN) is a suitable adhesive.
  • the footwear devices 100 may be shaped to contact only the areas of the sole most in contact with the surfboard, while not covering the arch area.
  • FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an exemplary shape of a footwear device according to another embodiment of the invention. This top view shows a device 500 patterned for mounting on a left foot.
  • the inner foot edge 505 of footwear device 500 is shaped to exclude an arch contact region (such as 104 in FIGs. 1 and 2).
  • the dashed line 542 indicates a maximum outer boundary within which such an arch contact region is present in embodiments of the device 100.
  • the inner boundary of the excluded arch region is along the solid line 505 between the junctions with the dashed line 542.
  • Embodiments such as that of FIG. 5 may find use in sports and other activities.
  • the nature and application of the adhesive layer may be varied, such as to give a stronger attachment when an embodiment is sold for use at the beach or for potentially wet activities, or a relatively weaker attachment for more temporary and less demanding uses, such as to place on one's feet or socks at a security checkpoint.
  • Footwear devices according to the invention may be attached to bare feet, or to socks, stockings or panty hose that are fit over feet.
  • the adhesive may vary and be optimized for each different application and purpose. Formulations for the adhesives generally may be hypoallergenic and non-invasive to the dermal layer of the skin.
  • the adhesive may be of such light nature and with appropriate adhesive properties that no cleaning of the foot or sock is needed after removal. Such adhesives are particularly applicable for temporary footwear devices to be used at airport security checkpoints. Alternatively, when a more durable or time lasting bond to the skin (or to a sock or other fabric about the foot) is created, after removal of the footwear device it may be desirable to wash the soles of the feet with soap and water, or to wipe the soles with a solvent-based, e.g., alcohol-based, wiping material such as the type commonly provided in sealed foil packs.
  • a solvent-based e.g., alcohol-based, wiping material
  • One brand of such cleaning materials, in the form of towelettes, is a towelette manufactured by Victoria Bay, Totowa, NJ.
  • a cleaning of the foot may or may not be necessary to remove a residual portion of the adhesive.
  • a wicking layer may be added to or integrated with the other layers, e.g., layer 110, to wick away moisture, such as sweat, from the foot surface to which the footwear device is attached.
  • FIG. 6 a side view of a footwear device 600 according to the invention which is shown attached to a foot 620.
  • the enlargement of the dashed section shows an adhesive layer 612, below which is positioned a wicking layer 613, below which is placed a cushion layer 610.
  • An optional grip-surface or layer 611 is along the lower portion of the cushion layer for contact with a walking surface.
  • the wicking layer 613 comprises a wicking material, such as a suitable NYLON® or nylon-like polymer fabric that transfers some moisture exuded from the foot to the cushion layer 610. Once moisture passes to the cushion layer 610, it may proceed, such as by diffusion based on mass transfer, to the general environment.
  • This system of layers can wick moisture away from the foot so as to maintain a better adhesive bond between the skin of the foot and the adhesive layer 612.
  • the system of layers may also act as a permeable structure which retains some of the moisture, but which, when exposed to warmth or the sun, quickly dries. The integrity of the adhesive bond is thus extendable in the presence of moisture thereby improving the duration of time that the footwear device can remain securely attached to the foot.
  • a wicking layer 613 is first attached to cushion layer 610 by thermal bonding or with a suitable adhesive. The subsequent step, the adhesive layer 612 is applied over the wicking layer 613.
  • the adhesive layer 612 is porous so that moisture can pass through to the wicking layer 613.
  • FIG. 7 provides such an example wherein a footwear device 700 is positioned against a foot 720.
  • the device 700 comprises an adhesive layer 712, a cushion layer 710, and an intervening protective layer 713 positioned between the layers 712 and 710.
  • the protective layer 713 may be formed of a tight-weave DACRON ® (trademark of E. I. DuPont, Wilmington, DE) fabric such as any one of the types used in protective clothing.
  • the layer 713 may be a KEVLAR ® (trademark of E. I. DuPont, Wilmington, DE) layer comprising a polyparaphenylene terephthalamide woven fabric, a Spectra Fiber layer, e.g., a polyethylene composite in a flexible resin within a laminate film, or a layer of any other protective material commonly known to those skilled in the art.
  • the protective layer 713 may be positioned as shown between the adhesive layer 712 and the cushion layer 710, or may be positioned below the cushion layer 710 or as a component of the cushion layer 710.
  • FIG. 7 further illustrates an optional grip-surface layer 711.
  • the grip-surface layer 711 may comprise protective material to perform the function assigned to the layer 713.
  • the protective material may be uniform, or may be concentrated in certain areas of the footwear device.
  • the duration of the adhesive nature of functional material diminishes as a function of the amount of perspiration or other moisture reaching the adhesive material, e.g., emanating from the sole of the foot.
  • the life of the adhesive material may more rapidly depreciate. That is, the ability of the adhesive on the footwear device to maintain a sufficient bond to the sole.of the foot can be compromised so as to allow the footwear device to begin peeling away from the sole. Such peeling away may impair performance and lead, eventually, to the footwear device separating from or having to be removed by the user.
  • integrity of the bond formed with the adhesive layer when subject to foot perspiration is improved by providing a plurality of holes each passing partly or all the way through the footwear device, such as from the adhesive layer through the cushion layer and any optional grip surface layer.
  • the plurality of perforations may be formed so that they penetrate the adhesive layer and then partially penetrate into the cushioning layer. However, given the flexible foam nature of the cushioning layer, a hole formed through the cushioning layer may partially "collapse" after formation due to the flexible nature of the foam material. When an optional wicking layer is present, the perforations may partially or fully penetrate the optional wicking layer.
  • the plurality of perforations provide for passage of perspiration released from pores along the sole. The perforations reduce the amount of sweat that would otherwise remain at the interface between the sole and the adhesive layer, and which would work to interfere with the adhesivity of the adhesive of the adhesive layer.
  • the sole of the foot comprises numerous sweat glands, of the eccrine type, that function to excrete liquid sweat which, in the foot's normal state, helps provide greater friction and thus traction (see Text Atlas of Podiatric Dermatology, page 14, Dawler, R. et al. Martin Dunitz, Ltd., London, 2001 ).
  • the footwear device according to the invention by providing a suitable number of perforations, which allow for passage and removal of perspiration from the skin, there is improved durability of the bond affected by the adhesion layer.
  • the effect of the plurality of holes is to increase and/or prolong the adhesivity of the adhesive layer adhesive. Sweat that passes through the hole beyond the adhesive layer may be absorbed in the cushion layer, and/or be absorbed in an optional wicking layer, and/or pass all the way through to the exterior of the footwear device.
  • FIG. 8A is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear device 800 of the present invention in which a series of perforations 840 have been formed for passage of perspiration from the sole of a foot (not shown).
  • the perforations 840 are provided in a simple offset pattern with individual rows offset relative to adjacent rows. This geometry is not meant to be limiting and other patterns will be apparent.
  • FIG. 8B provides a partial side view taken along line B-B of FIG. 8A, showing one cross-sectional profile of a perforation 840.
  • the diameter of the perforation within the adhesive layer 612 is relatively large and comports with the nominal hole size of a drill or punch used for forming it.
  • FIG. 8C provides a partial side view taken along line C-C of FIG. 8A, showing a second cross- sectional profile of a perforation 840 having a relatively uniform cross-sectional distance (e.g., diameter) as a function of position through the layer 812.
  • This uniformity may result from use of a relatively rigid material as the cushioning layer 812 or may result from a process difference in the formation of the perforations 840.
  • An optional bottom gripping layer 898 is also shown.
  • compressive force incurred during stepping on the device may force a periodic narrowing of the mid-section of the cushioning layer 812 (see arrows).
  • This aperture reduction may facilitate preventing sand or other fine debris from entering the device through the perforations or movement of the debris to the adhesive layer where it could degrade the integrity of the bond.
  • the two perforation profiles illustrated in FIGS. 8C and 8D are exemplary and not at all limiting of designs and configurations contemplated.
  • the sizes of the perforations may be any reasonable size to achieve the desired functionality of passing perspiration, water or other liquid, away from the interface of the sole and the adhesive layer of the footwear device.
  • the hole is circular and has a diameter ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 millimeters.
  • the hole is also circular in shape, having a diameter ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 millimeters.
  • holes were formed using a drill bit approximately 1.5 millimeters in diameter (0.059 inches). Relatively smaller holes may afford an advantage of providing for passage of sweat or other liquids while not being so large as to allow the intrusion of material such as sand. Thus, a large number of small perforations may provide better overall performance depending on the application to which the foot device is deployed.
  • the holes need not be circular, and may be any shape known to those skilled in the art.
  • the holes may be formed by punches or any other method of forming holes known to those skilled in the art.
  • the pattern of perforations in the footwear device may be any defined geometric pattern, or may be random, or may be distributed to providing more or larger perforations in areas of the foot where either 1 ) there are more sweat glands or more active sweat glands or 2) the release of perspiration or other liquid has a relatively greater adverse effect on bond integrity.
  • the perforations penetrate through the bottom surface of the footwear device but are sufficiently small in diameter or width that sand and debris cannot pass entirely through.
  • the perforations are approximately 1.5 mm in diameter, arranged roughly in rows having the perforations staggered relative one another in adjacent rows, with the perforations spaced apart approximately 6 mm on center. This configuration was observed to last on a wearer's foot about sixty percent longer than a similar footwear device not having the perforations. The perforations were found to provide an unexpected improvement. The improvement attributable to the perforations rendered it less critical to modify the adhesive to increase bond strength and durability.
  • Ceramic material and reflective, anti-reflective, or radiant barriers may be incorporated in embodiments of the footwear device to limit the rate of heat transfer from a hot surface, such as sand, to the sole of the foot.
  • a hot surface such as sand
  • the bottoms and sides of various embodiments may be provided with a decorative glitter accent and/or indicia that may be desired or popular.
  • indicia is meant any display of symbols, pictures, letters, acronyms, abbreviations, or combination of these, such as are used to display or communicate.
  • indicia include, but are not limited to: college logos, national, state and city logos, college or professional sports logos and designs, company logos, corporate logos, designs, advertisements and other displays, and even letters and/or symbols to connote political, religious or other affiliations or viewpoints.
  • An indicum is the singular word form of indicia, but as used in the present disclosure, indicia may also refer to a single unit of display. Also, as used herein, a single unit of indicia may include an assembled collection of two or more different symbols, etc.
  • Kits may be provided that include one or more pairs of footwear devices according to the invention and a packaged cloth with suitable solvent to remove and clean off residual adhesive.
  • footwear devices are provided on a large sheet of protective layer so that after a first use the devices could be reattached to the sheet for a second or third use. This may be well-suited for use on boats to keep land shoes away from deck surfaces.
  • devices according to the invention can be provided in rolls for easy dispensing.
  • the various component layers of the footwear device may comprise recycled materials and/or biodegradable materials.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de chaussure approprié pour couvrir la plante du pied. Selon des exemples de modes de réalisation, le dispositif comprend une première couche ayant une forme de plante de pied et dimensionnée pour s'ajuster à la plante sans s'étendre pour couvrir les orteils attenants. Un matériau de liaison le long d'une surface de la première couche est approprié pour attacher la première couche directement à la peau sur la plante de pied à un article de vêtement couvrant la plante de pied. Le matériau de liaison peut être résistant à l'eau et approprié pour réaliser une attache réversible de la première couche à la peau de la plante. Selon un procédé apparenté pour protéger un pied, une première couche est prévue, laquelle a une forme de plante de pied et est dimensionnée pour s'ajuster à la plante du pied de sorte que, lorsqu'elle est appliquée à la plante, la forme et la taille sont configurées de sorte à ne pas s'étendre le long des orteils. Un matériau de liaison est prévu le long d'une surface de la première couche. Le matériau de liaison est approprié pour attacher la première couche directement à la peau sur la plante de pied ou à un article de vêtement couvrant la plante du pied.
PCT/US2008/072105 2007-08-02 2008-08-04 Dispositif de chaussure multi-utilisation Ceased WO2009018574A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/671,761 US20110225847A1 (en) 2007-08-02 2008-08-04 Multi-Utility Footwear Device

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US95347607P 2007-08-02 2007-08-02
US60/953,476 2007-08-02
US97846407P 2007-10-09 2007-10-09
US60/978,464 2007-10-09

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009018574A2 true WO2009018574A2 (fr) 2009-02-05
WO2009018574A3 WO2009018574A3 (fr) 2009-12-30

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2008/072105 Ceased WO2009018574A2 (fr) 2007-08-02 2008-08-04 Dispositif de chaussure multi-utilisation

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20110225847A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009018574A2 (fr)

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USD724291S1 (en) * 2013-05-06 2015-03-17 George Psomas Non-slip hosiery
CA2922945C (fr) 2013-09-13 2018-03-06 Djo, Llc Bande matelassee jetable
US20150113838A1 (en) * 2013-10-31 2015-04-30 Lori R. Harris Traction enhancement devices and related packages of traction enhancement devices
US9655407B2 (en) 2014-01-27 2017-05-23 Adidas Ag Multilayered textile material in shoes
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US20170119105A1 (en) * 2015-11-02 2017-05-04 Perry Crafts, LLC Decorative enhancement of footwear
USD804043S1 (en) 2015-11-12 2017-11-28 Djo, Llc Padded tape
WO2018044545A1 (fr) * 2016-08-30 2018-03-08 Feetease Dispositif collant de protection pour pied
WO2018116874A1 (fr) * 2016-12-23 2018-06-28 中塚　龍也 Chaussure
WO2018169881A1 (fr) * 2017-03-13 2018-09-20 Oberfeld Nina B Prothèse de pied
US20180272387A1 (en) * 2017-03-21 2018-09-27 Keystone Specialty Chemicals LLC Method of removing thermoplastic adhesive on fabric
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20110225847A1 (en) 2011-09-22
WO2009018574A3 (fr) 2009-12-30

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